CHICAGO (670 The Score) — Bears quarterback Caleb Williams made franchise history in his team's disappointing 19-16 loss to the Lions on Sunday at Soldier Field in the regular-season finale.
Williams broke the Bears' single-season passing record when he threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Jahdae Walker early in the fourth quarter. With that throw, Williams surpassed Erik Kramer's previous record of 3,838 passing yards in 1995. Williams finished with 3,942 passing yards in 17 games this season. Kramer set his mark in a 16-game regular season.
Following the loss, Williams had little interest in discussing his feat.
“That (record) is the number, and so be it," Williams said.
Williams was 20-of-33 for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception Sunday. The Bears trailed 16-0 entering the fourth quarter before Williams' scoring strike to Walker. He later connected on a one-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Colston Loveland, then hit a two-pointer to tight end Cole Kmet to tie the game at 16-16.
But the Bears' final drive of the game resulted in a three-and-out, including a costly intentional grounding penalty from Williams. They never got the football back after punting with just under two minutes to play. The Lions closed the game with a strong drive to set up kicker Jake Bates' game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired.
Williams threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his second NFL season. No Bears quarterback has ever thrown for 4,000 yards in a single season. Williams gave himself a shot to reach that mark after throwing for 330 yards in the Bears' 42-38 loss to the 49ers on Dec. 28.
The Bears (11-6) will host the rival Packers (9-7-1) at Soldier Field in the wild-card round next weekend.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.